Review: Peaks EP and Speaks (Remix) EP

Peaks EP - Peaks

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This twin release from EDM producer Peaks, from Dublin, is the 8t/9th release from fledgling label iH! audio. These four tracks and three remixes are a 46 minute trip of progressive electronic music.

These beats are immense. Each track clocks in around the 120-130 bpm mark but the rhythmic development is so engaging. Set to a fairly steady bass beat, the constant embellishments are surprisingly danceable. On top of this are layered rich synths and industrial glitches. It reminds me a lot of Sasha's Airdrawndagger and the Aphex Twin influences are also evident. Each track is minimal yet intense.

The opening track On Every Beach is the most chilled-out. Starting minimal, it builds slowly for almost the entire track until the beat finally evolves into the steady four for the last minute while the other elements fade away.

This EP falls into that sweet spot where you could listen to it chilled out in your room but also bang it out during a DJ set. These long evolving tracks are only a taster for what Peaks can do live. Check him out if you get a chance.

Speaks EP - Various (iH! Audio)

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The accompanying remixes feature some fellow iH! Audio producers chopping up three of the tracks from the Peaks EP. Speaks builds on all the original features of Peaks' music and pushes it further. Adding more swirling pads, chopped glitches and high-energy breaks.

The stand-out track is the On Every Beach remix by Ben Bix. The heavy distorted beat first grooving and funky before ramping it up. Bix's signature overload of timbre is so distracting that you hardly even notice it's in 5/4!This will make you move, even if you don't want to dance it will shake you into submission.

You can name-your-price download both from the iH! Audio bandcamp page.

Review: Rosie Abbott

I reviewed the debut album by this up-and-coming singer songwriter from Nottingham a few months ago. It made an impression on me so I hope you enjoy it too. Make sure to check out her website for links to buy the album. If anybody has music they would like me to review please e-mail me at <padjis [at] gmail . com>


Beatles influence, check. Multi-instrumentalist, check. Home recording, check. Rosie Abbott seems to fit perfectly into that tired old singer-songwriter cliché. But in a world full of stereotypes and wannabes this woman refuses to be categorised. This album is clearly a response to this situation, playing on the theme of pigeon-holing. Rosie Abbott is like a breath of fresh air compared to the latest products of the mass-media machine. Her music rescues that fun childish innocence while creating a free and relaxed atmosphere. 

Review: Sonic Boom Six - Self Titled

The long awaited review of the long awaited album. This is the fourth album form the genre terrorists from Manchester, Sonic Boom Six. It is by far the biggest leap in sound they've made. It has been massively influenced by dance and electronic music, particularly drum'n'bass and dubstep, and is considerably more in-your-face. this has always been their style but there is a much more commercial edge to this album. Ultimately it is still a massive mash-up of punk, metal, hip-hop and dance.

New Releases

Here are some recently released or upcoming releases that I'm interested in.

Recent Release:

Sonic Boom Six - Sonic Boom Six

The long awaited new self-titled album from the premier genre terrorists. It took them a while to release because they were looking for a new label that would put it out. After self-releasing all their previous work on their own imprint Rebel Alliance records, they're signed a deal with the indy label Xtra Mile Recordings. They should be comfortable here along with he likes of Frank Turner and Against Me. I don't want to say too much about the actual music because I'll be reviewing it in another post, but first two singles off it are bangers!

Check It Out

NOFX - Self-Entitled

This is the twelfth studio album for these veterans of punk. NOFX have to be one of the most consistently good band ever. I can't think of any other bands that have not only kept producing good records for over two decades but have kept fresh and relevant. They may not be the riskiest of bands but they never sound tired and they have done many interesting projects to keep things interesting. This one should be another solid punk-rock romp.

Check It Out

 Title Fight - Floral Green

This is the second album from this American melodic hardcore band. Released through Side One Dummy, (Big D, Anti-Flag, Goldfinger), it marks their debut on the Billboard 200, peaking at #69 (snigger!). Good showing for this genre which generally doesn't get enough attention. 

Check It Out

Macklemore - The Heist

Debuting at #2 on the Billboard Hot 200, this is only the second independently released album to chart that high. I can't get enough of this guy, this is going to be an awesome album. Plus, it comes in real alligator skin packaging!

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DJ Fresh - Nextlevelism

The first two singles off this album have made DJ Fresh somewhat of a pioneer in dance music. He holds the record for having both the first ever Dubstep song (Louder) and Drum and Bass song (Hot Right Now) to go UK No. 1. This includes a few more tasty track with a list of quality collaborators including Dizzee Rascal and Rizzle Kicks.

Check It Out

Up-coming:

Bruno Mars - Unorthodox Jukebox

I don't care what people say, Bruno Mars is a song-writing genius. Over the last two years he's had the midas touch for hits. Whether they're his own songs or collaborations with the likes of B.o.B or Cee-Lo Green, he just doesn't know how to right a bad song! That being said, I'm not overly impressed with the first single off this (reminds me of The Police though) but I have no doubt that it's gonna be packed with catchy tunes just like his last one.

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Rolo Tomassi - Astraea

This will be the third outing for the Sheffield math-core moshers. Fronted by the most unlikely looking female, and refusing to stay in one time-signature for more than 30 seconds, I don't think they're ever going to stop experimenting. With a few line-up changes since last time, the things that remain constant will be the heavy guitars and arresting vocals as well as the absorbingly atmospheric break-downs.

Check It Out